Steve Burr insists his side were unfortunate not to get a point or even more following the 3-2 defeat at Eastleigh.

Chester found themselves 3-0 down after 65 minutes but the home side, who never looked worth that lead, relaxed and were clinging on at the end after conceding two late goals.

Burr also felt referee Adam Bromley could have handled the 39th minute flashpoint that saw both Matty Hughes and Dean Beckwith dismissed better.

Beckwith fouled Hughes and riled the on-loan forward, who flipped his lid and seemed to aim a headbutt towards the defender.

Burr said: “From the dugout I didn’t think either of them deserved to be sent off. We’ll have a look at the DVD because Matty Hughes is adamant he’s done nothing and I’m surprised at Dean because he’s not that type of player from what I know.

“I thought really the referee could have handled it better and maybe a yellow between them because I didn’t see anybody sparked out or with blood coming from their faces or anything like that but they call it intent these days so we’ll have to have a look at it.

“I thought, particularly in the second half, we had some really good clear-cut chances that we’re disappointed that we didn’t take.

“I thought there a few defining moments in the game, particularly at 0-0 when Ross Flitney has come out and miscontrolled the ball for us it looked like handball and that would have probably led to a sending off had the referee seen it but he said he hadn’t so that was a bit disappointing.

“Second half they went 3-0 up and I think they thought they had won the game but our lads keep going and I think with a bit longer on the clock we probably would have got something out of the game."

Eastleigh were the better side in the first half with the Matty Brown clearing Craig McAllister’s header off the line in the second minute.

Ben Strevens gave the Spitfires a deserved lead on 25 minutes, slotting home at the second attempt after Jon Worsnop saved his initial effort.Both sides were then reduced to 10 men and Chester had an excellent chances to level from the resulting free kick but Craig Hobson poked wide.

Peter Winn, who replaced the injured Craig Mahon in the first half, came to the fore in the second period and created two decent chances for Hobson, who might have done better.

Eastleigh doubled their lead on 61 minutes when Stuart Fleetwood converted a spot kick after Jai Reason had been brought down.Reason created the third four minutes later for McAllister and the home side looked to have the game in the bag.

Chester showed commendable spirit to keep going and pulled one back on 78 minutes when Winn floated a cross to Sean McConville, who steered the ball home.Kingsley James got another in time added on, drilling a left foot shot in off the post, but there wasn’t enough time left for another, much to the relief of the home side.

Burr said: "Eastleigh haven't lost at home all season, they are a strong side with experienced players who have played Conference football and Football League experience so we know how difficult it was going to be but I was pleased how we kept going.

"Our lads never give up and our fitness levels are good and we've showed that again. We never know it's over until the final whistle and we keep going and as I say perhaps with a little bit more care with our finishing we'd have not just got a point but maybe three points."

Chester travel to North West Counties League side in the Cheshire FA Senior Cup tonight (7.45pm) with Danny Harrison, John Disney, Wayne Riley in line for starts.

Attention will then turn to the FA Cup first round tie at Southend United, who warmed up for the game with a 2-1 win at Mansfield Town on Saturday.

Burr had hoped to extend Hughes' loan and will speak to Fleetwood Town manager Graham Alexander before deciding what to do about the forward, who will have to serve a three-game ban for his red card unless a successful appeal is made.

Michael Kay will miss out again through suspension and Craig Mahon will be assessed in training having limped off at Eastleigh.

Burr said: "We'll be missing one or two key players.We'll have a look at the Matty Hughes incident and see if there is any room for appeal because we'll be missing him, obviously Michael Kay's out at the minute and Craig Mahon's took a knock so we'll just assess everybody and see but we'll be ready for Southend that's for sure.

"We're looking forward to that and it'll be nice to pit ourselves against Football League opposition."

Burr, who confirmed Ibou Touray had been on trial with League One side Oldham Athletic but remained with the Blues on a non-contract basis for now, could decide to dip back into the loan market to strengthen his squad with six more games this month.